MY KIDS' MOM IS BACK

It had been almost two years since we last laid eyes on her. However, on June 6, we finally reunited with her at Mactan Cebu International Airport around 1:00 pm. The moment filled my children with a mix of excitement and thrill, having missed her dearly during her absence. There she was, in the flesh once again.

For my youngest, who celebrated her 3rd birthday on June 28, the reunion was particularly quite poignant. Because her memories of her mother were hazy, as she was barely a year old when her mother left. Now, on that sunny afternoon, her mother stood before her, and without hesitation, she embraced her, as if no time had passed at all. In a soft voice, she uttered the word "mama," a term she hadn't used much since I had been the one at her bedside every night and morning for nearly two years. It was a world turned upside down for her, seeing her mother by her side again, though not for long. Because tomorrow, Sunday, 5th of July, her mother would return to Dubai, ending her month-long vacation.

Every family should understand the challenge of having incomplete parents. Both parents are essential, each fulfilling a unique and irreplaceable role. For me, it was unimaginable to face such decision, especially the physical absence of my children's mother. Yet, I believed it was a necessary sacrifice, a noble effort to confront adversity and preserve our family's precarious financial stability. Her being an OFW is our only solution to mitigate greater financial difficulties that were straining our family.

Nevertheless, there's truly no place like home. I could see the radiance on her face as she reunited with her family. Without a doubt, her presence brought back vibrancy to our home, which had felt dull since her departure. The children were overflowing with excitement about the days ahead. I had even planned my own four-day vacation leave to coincide with her first week off.

Our first outing was to the mall. Since it was a weekday and the older kids were in school, we took our youngest to SM City. I treated my wife to pork lechon at CNT, a special treat she hadn't enjoyed in almost two years due to the dietary restrictions in Dubai, an Islamic country. 

After which, we browsed the department store and hardware section, where she quickly realized the multitude of tasks awaiting her in managing our household—areas where my own attention had been lacking. She effortlessly handled them, showcasing her natural talent.

Next, we visited Ayala Mall. Mikaela found it surreal to be spending the day with her mom at that very moment, relishing every minute.

On Friday, June 12, Philippine Independence Day, a public holiday, we returned to Ayala Mall, this time with all the kids. We visited Time Zone, where the kids delighted in the arcade games and Mikaela had a blast on the kiddie rides. After which, they wanted to dine at a kid-friendly restaurant, my kids' favorite, Jollibee, but I suggested something different, opting instead for a little upscale restaurant in the 'The Terraces.'

It was a first-time experience for my kids. We ordered the most delicious-looking food from the menu, and throughout the meal, the word 'delicious' echoed repeatedly from their lips.

Later that day, we visited my kids' grandparents, aunts, and uncles to share the pasalubong gifts my wife brought from Dubai."

The Bohol Trip

On June 13, a Saturday, we rose early and readied ourselves for a trip to Bohol to visit my wife's parents and her siblings. The morning air was slightly cooler as we made final preparations. I called for a taxi, and soon we were on our way to the port under clear skies. We arrived just in time to catch the 7:00 am ferry, a familiar journey we hadn't taken in years. The ship, freshly painted and immaculate, began its voyage at 7:15 am, marking the start of our adventure.

The nearly two-hour journey brought us to Tubigon port in Bohol. Stepping off the ferry, I caught the scent of fresh Bohol air and navigated the steep gangway carefully with my youngest, Mikaela, ensuring her safety.

We were greeted by my wife's brothers a short walk away. They were visibly surprised to see how much my eldest daughter, Maica, had grown into a young lady at ten years old.

Bohol looked much the same as it had years ago—serene and untouched by modernity. The scenic beauty remained captivating, prompting me to capture several photos along our way.

By noon, we reached Carmen, where my wife's family treated us to a lavish lunch. Afterwards, we settled into our accommodations, where I watched 'Wowowee' while the children napped. Despite the heat and the inadequate fan, I tried to relax.

Later in the afternoon, my father-in-law drove us to the Chocolate Hills, but heavy rain prevented us from climbing to the summit. We sought shelter in a restaurant where my sister-in-law worked, joining other tourists who flocked to the area due to the long weekend holiday.

Reflecting on our early days as newlyweds, I recalled strolls with my wife through nearby churchyard. So, we went there, tried to enjoy a brief moment just the two of us, cherishing the apparent tranquility and peacefulness of the place. As we went back, I noticed new homes but with little to no occupants, a proof of rural-to-urban migration. As most people from the provinces who left home for better opportunities in other big cities here and abroad, also find their extended homes in those places.

Evening came, it brought another delightful dinner with crab, seafood, and pork broth in the dining table. All of my wife's siblings were present except the one who was a seafarer overseas. Our sister-in-law brought a 'wow' karaoke, and the kids entertained everyone, especially Mikaela, who stole the show with her rendition of Celine Dion's classics 'My Heart Will Go On' and 'Because You Love Me', and Whitney Houston's signature song, 'I Always Love You', impressing her grandparents.

The following day, Sunday, we woke at 6:00 am and prepared for Mass at 8:00 am. Mikaela' s restlessness prompted me to take her outside during the service, where we encountered more of my wife's relatives in the church plaza. Mikaela, reluctant to wander far, insisted on returning to the church.

My father-in-law picked us up after the mass and the family discussed places to explore like tourist spots. So, we set out for Danao, departing around 9:30 am and enduring rough terrain and a lengthy journey that tested our patience.

Danao's mountaintop resort offered adrenaline activities like a sling ride over a deep gorge, but the scorching sun and physical discomfort deterred most of us from participating. Instead, we enjoyed the view and a leisurely outdoor lunch.

Afterwards, we proceeded to Sagbayan Peak, where Disney characters and stunning vistas welcomed us. The children marveled at the miniature castle before we departed for Tubigon port to conclude our Bohol adventure with a 4:30 pm ferry back to Cebu.

Back to Cebu

Back in Cebu, my wife made the most of her month-long stay. She reconnected with old friends, surprising them with thoughtful pasalubong gifts, and even reached out to former bosses who were pleasantly surprised by her visit. Among them was a once-feared boss from her office days, whose demeanor softened upon seeing her.

It struck me that regardless of our societal roles, we are all fundamentally human beings who crave connection and acknowledgment. Observing my wife engage with friends, former colleagues, acquaintances, and even individuals she had employed in our family business or small store, I realized the enduring impact we have on those around us. Beyond life's challenges and hardships, what truly matters is the warmth and compassion we share with others.

Life isn't about chasing wealth or status but nurturing kindness and fostering genuine relationships. Happiness and fulfillment stem from these simple yet profound interactions. I often wish I possessed my wife's natural friendliness, though I sometimes worry about her vulnerability to exploitation due to her unwavering kindness. Yet, despite the potential pitfalls, her generosity enriches those around her, even as it gradually depletes her own resources.

A Visit to Family Park

In the early years of our family, we often visited a place called "The Family Park" on weekends. It was our haven for picnics under the shade of trees, where I would jog while the kids enjoyed the playground, mini-zoo, and occasional splashes in the pool. Those were cherished moments, but since my wife left, circumstances or perhaps my own oversight prevented us from returning.

On June 21, 2009, we revisited the park. I brought crabs and sautéed alugbate from my garden, along with rice, pork lechon, cookies, mangoes, and bananas. The park was bustling with cars parked along the roadsides, as a charitable event had attracted many children. Nevertheless, we headed straight for the pool. It was only the second time my kids had swum since their mother's absence—the last being a beach trip to Mactan Island, sometime around April 2008, my company-subsidized outing to Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort.

We rented a small cottage and enjoyed a delicious early morning meal. The skies were clear, the morning sun casting gentle rays over the hilltops. I swam in the adult pool with Mikaela, who showed no fear of the water's depth. Later, she joined her siblings in the children's pool, where the water barely reached her neck. They laughed and played while I swam laps for exercise.

We departed around 10 a.m., so contented with our morning bonding.